Sky's the limit for Telstra

Telstra has been awarded a $2.3 million, three year contract by Australia's largest independent regional airline, Regional Express (Rex). The contract, announced this week, hands over management of the airline's entire telecommunications service to the telco.

Doug Campbell, Telsta Country Wide group managing director, said the latest agreement was a significant step in the telco's strategy to grow the medium business market.

"Telstra Country Wide has provided some data connection and phone services to Rex over the past two years and we are delighted to be awarded this contract, which will see our relationship expand significantly," said Campbell.

"It is a great win for Telstra Country Wide, especially as the technical evaluation process has been both rigorous and thorough."

The contract was established with an additional preferred supplier arrangement, with the telco's 700 staff committing to fly Rex for work-related travel to regional destinations.

Geoff Breust, Regional Express chief executive, said the contract was reached after four months' study of Telstra Country Wide's capabilities.

"Telecommunications services cut to the very heart of airline operations and we have to set very stringent requirements to make sure that our telco partner is able to put in place technical solutions that are efficient, reliable and robust.

"More importantly, we placed great emphasis in finding a partner that will be responsive to our needs. We believe Telstra Country Wide embodies all the qualities we look for in a regional partner," said Breust.